SAMPLE MCQ: PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSES

1. Which of the following statements describes pharmacodynamics?

A. The changes brought about by the responses of the drugs to the body.*
B. The study of how a prescribed drug produce the desired effect.
C. The study of how a prescribed drug produce the adverse effect.
D. The changes brought about by the responses of the body to the drugs.

2. Which of the following route of drug administration gives the most rapid
onset of the pharmacological effect?

A. Intramuscular injection.
B. Per oral administration.
C. Subcutaneous injection.
D. Intravenous injection.*

3. A patient is being counseled for possible participation in a clinical trial for a

new medication. After the patient meets with the doctor, the nurse is asked to
obtain the patient’s signature on the consent form.
The nurse knows that this ‘informed consent’ indicates which of the following?

A. Once therapy has begun, the patient cannot withdraw from the clinical trial.
B. No matter what happens, the patient will not be able to sue the researchers
for damages.
C. The patient has been informed of all potential hazards and benefits of the
therapy. *
D. The patient has received only the information that will help to make the
clinical trial a success.

4. The doctor order Levodopa 150 mg. Stock Levodopa 100 mg tablets.
What is the number of tablets you will give in order to administer the above
medication order?

A. 1/2 tablets.* 1 1/2

B. 3/2 tablets. *
C. 2 tablets.
D. 4 tablets
5. The nurse is reviewing factors that influence pharmacokinetics in the
neonatal patient.
Which factor puts the neonatal patient at risk with regard to drug therapy?

A. Smaller circulatory capacity.

B. Hyperperistalsis in GIT.
C. Immature renal system. *
D. Irregular temperature regulation.

6. What is the MOST important assessment prior to administering intravenous

infusion of penicillin to a patient?

A. History of allergy. *
B. Reproductive history.
C. Personal social history.
D. Health history.

7. Why is the pharmacokinetics of drugs in the neonate differs from that in

adults?

A. Their tubular transport mechanisms are not well developed.*

B. Their glomerular filtration rate is high.
C. The drug metabolizing enzymes are overactive in the neonate.
D. Neonate’s intestinal transit is fast.

8. What is the number of tablets or capsules you will give in order to

administer the following medication’s order?
Prevacid 30 mg po OD. Stock Prevacid 15 mg tablets.

A. 5
B. 3
C. 4
D. 2 *
9.Nurse M has calculated the correct dose of an oral medication and pour it
into a plastic medication cup before giving it to Mrs. A. Mrs. A’s assessment
data reveals no abnormal findings. Nurse M is now taking the medication to
Mrs. A. What is Nurse M next action?

A. Ask the patient’s name and check her ID band, hand patient the medication
cup with a cup of water and stay with patient until the medication has been
swallowed. *
B. Ask the patient’s name and check her ID band, hand patient the medication
cup with a cup of water.
C. Ask the patient’s name and check her ID band, hand patient the medication
cup and stay with patient until the medication has been swallowed.
D. Ask the patient’s name and check her general condition, hand patient the
medication cup with a cup of water and stay with patient until the
medication has been swallowed.

10. What is the MOST appropriate strategy a nurse should apply to avoid
medication errors?

A. Participate in continuous professional education.

B. Provide patient education.
C. Adherence to the right principles of drugs administration. *
D. Apply nursing process approach.

11. What is the role of risk-management departments in relation to medication

administration?

A. Provide welfare support relevant to the medication.

B. Provide education on medication to ensure patient’s safety.
C. Examine risks and minimise the number of medication errors. *
D. Monitor patient’s adherence to the medications.

12. Which of the following factors is associated with an increased risk of

medication noncompliance in the elderly?

A. Polypharmacy. *
B. Expensive medications.
C. Hypertension.
D. Male gender.